Frank Lautenberg: “First, I start by issuing the plea also that Senator Domenici, the distinguished chairman of the Budget Committee…”

“First, I start by issuing the plea also that Senator Domenici, the distinguished chairman of the Budget Committee, started with; that is, to our fellow Senators, get your amendments down here. Do not cause a jam up at the end when you may not be able to get the floor. You may not be able to have a full explanation of that which you are interested in. We want to move the process. This is no longer a time for delay and bickering among ourselves. We are obliged to move it because it is the right thing for America. First, let me say that I am pleased to join my colleague, the chairman of the Budget Committee, Senator Domenici, in urging support for this budget resolution. For the past several weeks, Senator Domenici and I, along with representatives of the administration and the House Budget Committee, have been working long hours and arduously to reach a budget agreement. It has been a long, difficult and occasionally a painful process. But in the end I am pleased to say that we succeeded in our mission. Today, for the first time in many, many years, we will be considering a budget resolution that is truly bipartisan. This resolution, Mr. President, is historic. It will lead to the first balanced budget since 1969. It calls for the largest investment in education and training since the Johnson administration. It combines tough fiscal discipline with a strong commitment to Medicare, the environment, transportation, and other national priorities.”